Lawn sprinkler



I. JEPSON LAWN SPRINKLER Oct. 1, 1963 Filed Aug. 31. 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

I. JEPSON LAWN SPRINKLER Oct. 1, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 51, 1960 INVENTOR.

I. JEPSON LAWN SPRINKLER Oct. 1, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. 31, 1960 INVENTOR.

Oct. 1, 1963 l. JEPSON 3,105,639

LAWN SPRINKLER Filed Aug. 51. 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INV EN TOR.

United States Patent Ofiice ns st Patented Get. 1, 1963 3,lll5,3 LAWN SPRINKLER Ivar Eepson, Gal; Park, IlL, assignor to Sunbeam Corporation, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Filed Aug. 31, 1960, Ser. No. 53,193 22 Claims.- (65. 239242) This invention relates to a lawn sprinkler and, more particularly, to oscillating type lawn sprinklers.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved oscillating type lawn sprinkler.

Another object of the invention is to provide a low cost oscillating type sprinkler.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved spray angle width adjusting means in oscillating type sprinklers.

A still further object of the invention is to provide improved spray angle positioning means in oscillating type sprinklers.

A yet further object of the invention is to provide improved spray angle width adjusting and spray angle positioning means in oscillating type sprinklers.

A still further object of the invention is to provide improved indicating means in adjustable oscillating type sprinklers.

In the prior art it is well known to provide means for adjusting the width of the spray angle and its position. However, prior art adjusting means have several disadvantages. Amongst these are that the adjusting means may require loosening some of the parts and then connecting them up in a different position. This type of adjusting means is disadvantageous since it is not quick and convenient, and the parts may become lost or accidentally misplaced.

A further disadvantage of prior art adjusting means is that they do not provide a wide range of diiferent spray angles either of which can be positioned centrally or on either side of the sprinkler, nor does the prior art provide means for automatically accomplishing the same.

A further disadvantage of some prior art adjusting means is that they do not provide accurate means for indicating the width and positioning of the adjusted spray angle.

Briefly, in the invention an improved adjusting means is provided which will provide a wide range of different spray angles. For instance, in the illustrated form of the invention the spray angle can be adjusted to provide spray angles of about 45, 52 /2, 60, 75 and 90 degrees. Furthermore, the adjustment can be accomplished quickly and conveniently by merely pushing or pulling on a knob. Additionally, means is provided for positioning either of these angles centrally or on either side of the sprayer or in an in-between area by mere turning of a knob. However, the improved spray angle selector means is also automatic in that any selectable angle will automatically be located centrally or on either side of the sprayer or in an in-between area as determined by the turnable knob setting. Additionally, clearly visible and accurate means is provided for automatically indicating the setting of the adjusting means.

The invention will be better understood by considering FIG. 3 with the parts shown in their relative positions when the adjusting means is set for a spray angle of 90 degrees with the spray tube being located in the center of its 90 degree sweep;

FIG. 5 is a sectional viewtaken along the line 55 of FIG. 3 with the parts shown in their relative positions for a 90 degree setting but with the spray tube at one end of its 90 degree sweep;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but for a setting of a 45 degree spray angle with the spray tube at one end of its 45 degree sweep;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged top view of the indicating means of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line 99 of FIG. 7.

Like reference numerals will be used throughout the various figures to indicate like parts.

Referring now first to FIGS. 1 to 3 of the drawings, the illustrated sprinkler comprises a support member 1 which provides a pair of runners or skids 2 for the sprinkler. The member 1 may be made from continuous extruded seamless tubular aluminum stock. It is bent into a generally narrow U-shape, and its bight portion 3 is bent up from the plane of skids 2 to provide a support for one end of a generally horizontally disposed apertured and curved spray tube 4. The other end of tube 4 is supported from a motor and gear reduction housing 5 which is mounted at the open end of U-shaped member 1. The tube 4 is rotatably mounted at its opposite ends for oscillating movement by a rotary drive crank 6 by means which will be described hereinafter.

The tube 4 can also be made out of extruded seamless aluminum stock. It has a plurality of spray apertures 7 formed therein along its outer convex side. The end of tube 4 adjacent bight portion 3 is rotatably supported in an apertured plate 3 which is mounted on bight portion 3 as by welding. The outer end of tube 4 is closed by a plug 9 which is threaded into tube 4. Plug 9 has a needle 10 which is disposed inside tube 4. Needle 10 is a cleaning tool for apertures 7. Needle 10 and plug 9 can comprise integral portions of each other formed from molded plastic material or the like. The ends of the skids 2 adjacent h'ousing 5 are curved up slightly and may be sealed closed by closure plugs 16 to keep" water out of the same to prevent corrosion.

The inner open end of tube 4 is rotatably supported in an aperture 11 formed in the front wall 12 of housing 5. This aperture 11 is sealed closed by seal 13 disposed between wall 12 and a flange 14 formed on the end of tube 4.

The housing 5 is a split casing. its two parts 20 and 21 are butted up against each other and the interface therebetween is sealed closed by a generally rectangular shaped seal 22. The two casingor housing parts 20 and 21 are held closed by means such as studs 23 which also serve to compress seal 22. Casing part 21' has a horizontal wall 24 formed therein. A plate 25 covers casing part 21 up to wall 24 and a gear reduction chamber 26 I is thereby defined in casing part 21'.

Casing part 20 defines a motor chamber 27 between itself and cover plate 25. This chamber 27 is in communication with tube 4 by way of an outlet chamber 28 defined in the upper portion of casing part 21.

A pair of integral feet 29 are formed on the forward casing part 21. These feet are clamped to skids 2 by means such as screws 30 for supporting the housing 5 on support member '1. This manner of supporting the hous-' ing 5 permits removal of the back casing part 20 and inspection of theinternal mechanism in housing 5 Without removal of the same from support member 1.

The lower back wall portion of rear casing part has a connector attached thereto which is adapted to receive a water conduit such as a not shown conventional garden hose. Water will enter the housing through an integral tubular water inlet passage 36. The garden hose will be sealed in connector 35 by a seal 37 which has a strainer 33. The seal 37 can comprise a rubber ring molded about strainer 38. The inner end of inlet passage 36 is sealed closed by abutment against plate 25 and has an upper slot 39 formed therein. Incoming Water will be directed through this slot 39 in a jet against an impulse water wheel 40. Wheel 49 Will rotate at high speed, and said high speed will he reduced by the speed reduction means in chamber 26 to rotate crank 6 at a slow speed. After the water passes Wheel 40 it will enter spray tube 4 through outlet passage 28.

Water wheel 40 is apertured and has an integral hollow shaft 41 formed thereon. This hollow shaft extends through an aperture formed in cover plate 25 into speed reduction chamber 26. Hollow shaft 41, and thus also wheel 40, is rotatably supported on a bearing pin 42 located in an integral bearing pin bushing 43 formed on front wall 12. Bearing pin 42 extends for a substantial distance into hollow shaft 41 whereby only a single bearing is necessary for Wheel 40 and its shaft 41. The aperture in wheel 40 is closed by a thrust bearing plug 44 which is disposed opposite to a bearing lug 45 formed integrally on casing part 20.

Wheel 40 has integral impulse blades 46 and shaft 41 has an integral worm 47. Worm 47 engages a worm gear 48 which in turn rotates a Worm 49 which rotates a worm gear 50. Worm gear 50 rotates crank 6. Worm 49 preferably is integrally formed on a hollow shaft 51 which is integral with worm gear 48. The integral assenrbly 48, 49, 51 is vertically and rotatably disposed on a pair of bearing pins 52 and 53. Bearing pin 52 is mounted in housing partition or wall 24 and pin 53 is mounted in an integral housing bearing bushing 54.

Crank 6 is horizon-tally disposed below shaft 41 and in parallel relationship thereto. Crank 6 is rotatably supported in an integral housing bearing bushing 55 having a bearing sleeve 56 therein. Worm gear 53 in keyed on crank 6 by appropriate means. Preferably the parts 40, 41, 47 and 48, 49, 51 and 50 are constructed from a moldable material such as nylon which is long wearing. A lubricant such as grease 57 is located in chamber 26 and is retained therein by cover plate 25 and seal 22. Besides molding the impulse Wheel 40 and speed reduction parts it is also preferable to mold or cast the housing halves 20 and 21. Integral housing parts such as 24, 29, 36, 43, 45, 54 and 55 can thereby be simultaneously formed with the housing halves 2t) and 21. Such manufacturing steps contribute to a sprinkler or sprayer which is low in cost.

Referring now also to FIGS. 4 to 6 of the drawings, the means for converting rotary movement of crank 6 into oscillatory movement of tube 4 and the means for adjusting the width of the spray angle and the positioning of the spray angle will now be described. The crank 6 is connected to the tube 4 by three elements comprising a crank or arm 61, an adjustable link or arm 62, and a connecting link '63.

The crank or arm 61 has a hub 64 which surrounds the tube 4. The hub 64, and therefore, crank arm 61, is fixed to tube 4 against axial and rotary movement except when the spray angle is being manually shifted.

The means for accomplishing this will be described hereinafter.

The adjustable link or arm 62 is pivotally connected at its inner end to the outer end of crank arm 61 by a pin or the like. The outer end of adjustable link or arm 62 is pivotally connected to the outer end of con- 6. The inner end of connecting link 63 is retained on crank 6 by a locking ring 67 or the like.

The adjustable link or arm 62 is fixed with respect to the crank arm 61 except when it is being pivoted with respect to the crank arm 61 to adjust the angle between.

is to say, the friction may be made sufiicient to prevent I connecting link 63 front moving element 62 with respect to element 61 when crank 6 is rotating.

Thus, as crank 6 rotates it will move the pivot point 7 66 back and forth along an are which is concentric with tube 4. The radial distance of the pivot point 66 from the axis of tube 4, and therefore also the axis of the hub 64, determines the are or width of the angle through 7 V which the crank arm 61 and tube 4 are oscillated. Changing this radial distance by changing the angle between elements 61'and 62 changes the width of the angle of oscillation. That is to say, the radial distance between pivot point 66 and the axis of tube 4 and hub 64 determines the effective length of crank arm 61 for tube 4.

The effective length of crank arm 61 for tube 4 is changed by pushing or pulling on a knob 75 connected to an extension on the outer end of connecting link 63.

However, this knob 75 could be provided on the element 62. As the knob 75 is pushed in, the radial distance between pivot point 66 and the axis of hub 64 and tube 4 is decreased. Therefore, the angle of oscillation for crank arm 61 and tube 4 will be increased. If the knob 75 is pulled out, the radial distance will be increased which will result in a decreased angle of oscillation.

end of connecting link 63 will not shift since crank 6 is locked against being rotated from its outer end by the intermeshed worm and Worm gear speed reduction means in housing 5.

In the illustrated form of the invention the width of the angle of oscillation can be adjusted to at least several significantly different angles within the range of about 45 to 90 degrees although other ranges of adjustment could :be provided. The limits of movement of elements 61 and 62 with respect to each other for this angular 1 range are defined by an arcuate slot 76 formed in element 62 and a cooperating pin 77 formed on crank arm 1 61. However, the arrangement could be the reverse, and other stop or limiting means for curtailing movement of elements 61 and 62 with respect to each other could be employed. Nevertheless, in the illustrated form of the invention the slot 76 is formed on element 62, and

this is accomplished by providing the inner end of element 62 with a sector shaped portion 78 in which slot 76 can be formed. The slot 76 is concentric with pin 65.

Heretofore it was stated that crank 61 and tube 4 are fixed with respect to each other against axial or rotary movement therebetween except in the limited situation of manual shifting of the positioning of the spray angle in a manner to be described hereinafter. For purposes of illustrating a self-centering feature of the sprayangle" adjusting means it will be assumed that a knobbed angle positioning control collar 80 (see also FIG. 7) is rotated to line up its center mark with an index mark 81 formed on hub 64 diametrically opposite to the pivot point 65. This will line up the tube '4 with the crank arm 61 so that the crank arm 61 is disposed in the plane of the tube 4. That is, the apertures 7 are disposed in a common plane with pivot point 65. Also, it can be assumed that the knob 75 is pushed in for the minimum distance between elements 61 and 62 as illustrated in FIGS. 4'

and 5 so that the crank 6 will oscillate the crank arm 61 and tube 4 simultaneously through an anglev of This is best seen by comparing FIGS. 5 and 6. When the a knob 75 is pushed or pulled the pivotal axis for the inner degrees. This angle will be centered with respect to a lengthwise extending vertical central plane through the sprinkler. That is, the tube 4 will be oscillated back and forth about 45 degrees to either side of the sprinkler.

I-f the knob 75 is now pulled out for the maximum distance between elements 61 and 62 as illustrated in FIG. 6 the crank 6 will oscillate the crank arm 61 and tube 4 simultaneously through an angle of 45 degrees. However, for this 45 degree angle to be centered with respect to the sprinkler, it is necessary for the crank arm 61 and tube 4 to be simultaneously shifted with respect to the axis of crank 6. This will be clear from the following example. Let it be assumed that the spray tube 4 is being oscillated through a centered angle of 90 degrees to either side of the sprinkler. Let it also be assumed that when tube 4- is at the end of its movement on either side of the sprinkler the knob 75 is then pulled out to give a 45 degree spray angle. This is best illustrated by viewing first FIG. 5 and then PEG. 6. At the moment this change is made the tube 4 is removed 45 degrees from the central vertical plane of the sprinkler. If the tube will now be rotated only 45 degrees it will only come back to the central vertical plane of the sprinkler which isnt a centered position. Therefore, for the 45 degree spray mgle to be centered at the time the change from 90 to 45 degrees is made, it is necessary to shift the tube 4 back about 22 degrees. The adjusting means does this automatically. This is because when knob 75 is pulled out to the 45 degree setting the pivot point 66 is shifted outwardly by pivotal movement of element 62 about pin 65 but simultaneously crank arm 61 is rotated 22 /2 degrees inwardly about its own axis. The amount of shift required in the crank arm 61 or tube 4 will be dictated by the change in spray width which is being made as well as the position of the crank arm 61 or tube 4 at the time the change is being made. If the change is made at the ends of the oscillations then the shift required will be /2 of the change in spray width. In the example given, the change in spray width was 45 degrees. Therefore, there had to be a 22 /2 degree shift. If the change in spray angle width were from 60 to 90 degrees then the shift at the ends of the oscillations would have to be degrees. The shift as outlined above will occur if the change-over is made at the ends of the oscillations. However, a lesser or no degree of shift will be required depending upon the position of the spray tube 4 or the crank arm 61 at the time the change-over is made. In any event, the elements 61, 62 and 63 will cooperate to automatically provide the necessary anguilar shift simultaneously with a change-over from one spray width to arm ier one. Additionally, this self-centering feature is also operative when the spray tube is adjusted at the control knob 80 to spray just at the right or left side of the sprinkler.

Referring now also to FIGS. 7 to 9, means is provided on the tube 4 for giving a visual indication of the selected spray width. This means comprises a collar 82 mounted on the tube 4. It has a spray width scale 83 formed on its upper surface, and gear teeth 84 formed on its diametrically opposite lower surface. Teeth 84 mesh with gear teeth 85 formed on sector shaped portion 7 8 of element 62. Accordingly, when the knob 75 is pushed or pulled to change the spray angle the intermeshed teeth 85 and 84 will simultaneously cause the new spray angle setting to be indicated one the spray Width scale reading opposite the index mark 81.

In some positions of the elements 61 to 63 it is possible to use the dial collar 82 as a spray width adjusting knob. That is, the spray width can be changed by rotating collar 82- instead of pushing or pulling on the knob 75. This is because the element 6-2 can be driven by collar 82 by virtue of the intermeshed teeth 84- and 8 5. However, there are other positions of the linkage 61 to 63 where they are so jointed with respect to each other as to be locked or frozen against movement by collar 82. For

this reason the manual control for changing the spray width is located on either of the elements 62 or 63. In this location of the manual control, such as knob 75, the spray width can be changed at any time regardless of the disposition of elements 61 to 63.

The collar '82 performs other functions. For instance, it serves as the auxiliary or sole means for locking the element 62 in its selected position. Also, it'plays a role in fixing the crank arm 61 and tube 4 against axial or rotary relative movement. This will become clear from the following description of the manual means for rotating the tube 4 relative to crank arm 61 and the means for fixing the tube 4 and crank arm 61 relative to each other.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 3 and 7 to 9, the collar 8% surrounds tube 4 and has a pair of wings 9ilso that it can be gripped to rotate tube 4- manually. On its upper surface it has a scale 91 to indicate the relative position of the tube 4, and therefore, the spray angle, with respect to the central vertical plane of the sprinkler, as determined by the scale reading opposite to crank mark 81. On its inner circumference it has a plurality of axially extending through grooves 92. There are three in number, which correspond in their spacing to three stop lugs 93 formed on the tube 4. When the grooves 92 are aligned with lugs 93 the colar 8% can be passed over the lugs, but otherwise not. The collar 841' is positioned on the side of lugs 93 adjacent to housing 5 and is retained in this position by a spring 94 and three dead end stop slots 95 which receive lugs 93. The slots 95 are formed in the left hand end or" collar 81!. The spring 94. urges the collar away from housing 5 by acting thereon through collar 82 and hub 64. Accordingly, when lugs 93 are positioned in slots the collar 8t and tube 4 are locked with respect to each other. Therefore, if collar 80 is rotated tube 4 is also rotated.

The hub 64 of crank arm 61 has three slots 96 so it also can be passed over the lugs 93 toward housing 5. On the edge of hub 64 adjacent collar 89 radially extending teeth or serrations 97 are formed which mesh with similar teeth 98 formed on the edge of collar 8% adjacent thereto. These teeth are resiliently biased with respect to each other by spring 94. However, when it is desired to turn tube 4 with respect to crank arm 61 this resilient bias can be manually overcome by turning collar 86. Accordingly, teeth 98 will ride over teeth 97 to alter the position of tube 4 with respect to crank arm 61. Hub 64 of crank arm 61 will not rotate with collar 80 at this time since its position is locked or frozen by the linkage 61 to 63.

Other than this limited manual movement of collar 80 and tube 4 with respect to crank arm 61 these parts are ordinarily simultaneously movable since teeth 97 and 98 lock them together. Therefore, when crank arm 61 is oscillated by crank 6 the tube 4 will move simultaneously therewith. Manual movement of collar 89 with respect to hub 64 is limited by a stop lug 99 formed on hub 64' which cooperates with a notch 109 formed inside collar 89 adjacent teeth 98. Notch 100 extends only partially around collar 8t). When lug 99 abuts one end of notch 1419 the right mark on dial 91 is opposite to hub mark 81 and when lug 99 abuts the other end of notch 109 the left mark on dial 91 is opposite mark 81. v A flange 101 is formed about teeth 98 which seats in a shoulder 192 formed about teeth 97. In manner dirt and the like is prevented from reaching the parts SlllCh as 97 to 100.

The end of collar 32 adjacent hub 64 has an internal flange 103 formed thereon which has three slots 194 formed therein so that it can be passed over lugs 93. The side of flange 103 next to hub 64 has teeth 195 formed thereon which cooperate with teeth 1% formed on the contiguous side of hub 64. Collar 82 has a flange 107 similar to flange 101 and this flange 197 is received in another shoulder 108 formed on hub 64 to protect teeth 105 and 106 from dirt and the like.

Spring 94 extends inside collar 82 and butts up against flange 103 to urge teeth 165 into engagement with teeth 166. The other end of spring 94 extends into another collar 169 which fits partly inside collar 82. The end of collar 109 next to housing has an internal flange 11%) which has dead end stop slots 111 similar to stop slots 95 formed on collar 80. These stop slots 111 receive stop lugs 112 similar :to stop lugs 93 for limiting movement of collar 109 toward housing 5. Three through axial grooves 113 are formed on the inner edge of flange 110 so that collar 169 can also be passed over lugs 93 and lugs 112 toward housing 5. The right hand end of spring 94 butts up against flange 119. Since the collar 109 extends into collar 82 the spring 94 is shielded from dirt or damage.

Heretofore it was stated that collar 82 is an auxiliary or sole means for locking element 62 in its selected position with respect to crank arm 61. This can be visualized if it is assumed that there is insufficient friction along interface 70 to hold elements 61 and 62 with respect to each other in their selected position. This may be the case when the tube 4 is spraying water and it is 'at' the end of its oscillation. However, teeth 84 and S5 are engaged and also are teeth 105 and 106, and teeth 165 and. 106 are biased with respect to each other by spring 94. This bias will not be overcome even in the absence of friction along interface 70. Therefore, when crank 6 oscillates crank arm 61 element 62 will be retained in its selected position.

Both indicating collars 80' and 82 serve to fix crank arm 61 axially and against rotation with respect to tube 4 since their respective teeth 98 and 1% are resiliently biased into engagement with the teeth 97 and 166 on hub 64. Of course, the resilient bias between the teeth on hub 64 and collar 82 is overcome when knob 75 is manually pushed or pulled so that collar 82 is rotated with respect to hub mark 31 to give a reading of the new spray width setting.

It will now be clear that the invention provides an oscillating type lawn sprinkler having improved adjusting and indicating means. The sprinkler is not restricted in its use to lawns, but can be used for watering gardens, small shrubbery and the like. Although in the illustrated form of the invention the scale 83 has settings of 45, 52/2, 60, 75 and 90 degrees, it will be apparent that an infinite number of settings can be provided within the total range of adjustment if the teeth 34, 85, 165 and 106 are made fine enough. Additionally, although the range of adjustment is illustrated as being 45 to 90 degrees, different ranges of adjustment can be provided by changing the length of slot 76.

The crank arm 61, which is a drive bracket for the tube 4, is fixed against rotation with respect to tube 4 except when the position of tube 4 is changed with respect to bracket 61 by rotating knob 80. The dial 91 has main settings of left," center and right. However, some ill-between settings are provided and the number of different settings can be infinite if the teeth 97 and 98 are fine enough. The total adjustment range is dictated by the length of the slot 169, but this range can be made smaller or larger.

Regardless of which width for the spray angle is selected, the bisector of the angle of oscillation of bracket 61 will always remain in a substantially fixed position. Accordingly, if the knob 80 is set at its center mark, each of the selectable spray angles will be centered'to spray a substantially equal distance on opposite sides of the sprinkler. If the knob 80 is set at its left or right mark, then each selectable spray angle will oscillate an equal number of degrees to either side of a lengthwise plane through the sprinkler which is disposed about 45 degrees to the left or right, respectively, of the sprinkler.

This is because of the rotation of the tube 4 relative to 3 the bracket 61 by the knob 80, and not because of a shift in the bracket 61 occasioned by operation of knob V The parts 4, 6 and 61 to 66 are correlated with respect to each other to provide an angular shift in the bracket 61 When the knob 75 is operated to change the width of the spray angle is adjusted by moving the con nection point 66 towards or away from the axis of oscillation of bracket 61. As this point moves away, the spray angle is decreased, whereas when it is moved toward the axis of oscillation of bracket 61, it is in:

creased. Both connection points '66 and 65 are pivotal 1 connections, but connection point 65 is a pivotal one only during operation of knob 75. Otherwise, it is a fixed connection. The pivotal connection point 66 between elements 62 and 63 is moved towards and away from the a axis of bracket 61 along an arc whose radius is equal to the straight line distance between connection points 66 and 65 with point 65 serving as the center of curvature of the arc. However, simultaneously the jointed links 62, 63 cause the connection point 65 to be moved in the correct direction so that the bisector of the angle of oscillation of bracket 61 will always be aligned in substantially a fixed position. The connection point 65 is moved along an arc whose radius is the straight line distance between the point 65 and the oscillation axis of' bracket 61, with said axis serving as the center of curvature of said are.

The net result of this simultaneous movement of both points 66 and 65 means that mechanism ormeans is provided for controlling movement of point 66, which'is an operating pivotal connection of link 63 to bracket 61, to a path so that the bisector of the angle of oscillation of bracket 61 always remains fixed. This controlled.

path of movement for the operating pivotal connection 66 is disposed to one side of bracket 61 but could be provided directly by an adjustable pin and slot connection between the element 63 and bracket 61 with/the slot being properly contoured to control movement of the pin to .said path. Such a connection would cause in and out movement of the direct pivot pin connection between element 63 and bracket 61 and shift of bracket 61 without the intermediate elements such as element 62 and the adjustable connection 65 between elements 62 and 61. However, the arrangement illustrated in the drawings ina eludes mechanism for operating the indicating means 82 V when the knob 75 is operated. That is to say, relative movement of element 62 with respect to element 61 is, utilized as a means of rotating the indicating dial 83 through the teeth 85 on the sector shaped portion 78 of element 62.

While there has been shown and described a particular embodiment of the invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention, and that it is intended by'the appended claims to cover all such changes i and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A sprinkler comprising a spray tube, a rotary drive crank for oscillating said tube, means interconnecting said crank and tube for converting rotary movement of said crank into several dilferent angles of oscillatory movement of said tube, and manual control means on said. tube for positioning each angle of oscillation of said tube centrally and on each side of saidsprinkler, said intercon-I necting means having manual control means for selectively adjusting said angle and automatically positioning the V In the invention, this corsame in accordance with the setting of said first mentioned control means, said interconnecting means comprises a crank arm on said tube, a link adjustably connected to said crank arm, a connecting link pivotally connected to said drive crank and first mentioned link, and a manual control knob connected to one of said links, and said first mentioned manual control means compris ing a manual control knob on said tube for rotating said tube with respect to said crank arm.

2. In a sprinkler as in claim 1, wherein means are provided for indicating the position of said angle with respect to said sprinkler, said indicating means comprising said second mentoned manual control knob, and cooperative index marks on said second mentioned manual control knob and said crank arm.

3. In a sprinkler as in claim 1, wherein means are provided for indicating the size of said angle, said indicating means comprising a rotary collar on said tube, means on said first mentioned link for rotating said collar, and cooperating index marks on said collar and crank arm.

4. In a sprinkler comprising a spray tube, drive means, means interconnecting said drive means and tube for causing said drive means to oscillate said tube, and means for selectively adjusting the angle of oscillation of said tube and the position of said angle With respect to said sprinkler, the improvement of said last-mentioned means comprising a pair of control collars surrounding said tube, and indicating means on said control collars for reading said angle and its position.

5. In an oscillating type sprinkler comprising a spray tube, an arm connected to said tube, a rotary drive crank, a pair of jointed levers interconnecting said crank and arm, one of said jointed levers being pivotally connected to said drive crank and the other lever being pivotally connected to said arm, and means for releasably locking said other lever and arm at different angular dispositions therebetween for varying the angle of oscillation of said spray tube, the improvement of said locking means comprising a hub on said arm which surrounds said tube, a rotary collar on said tube, means biasing said collar into fixed relationship with respect to said hub, and interengaging portions on said other lever and collar.

6. In the improvement of claim 5, wherein said interengaging portions comprise meshed gear teeth formed on said other lever and collar, and said collar and hub having cooperative dial markings thereon to indicate the spray angle setting of said sprinkler.

7. A sprinkler having an oscillating spray tube which is driven by a rotary drive crank, and adjustable means interconnecting said crank and tube for changing rotary motion of said crank into oscillating motion of said tube and for selectively adjusting the width of the angle of scillation of said tube and automatically similarly aligning any selected angle of oscillation with respect to the sprinkler, said adjustable means comprising an oscillatable arm connected to said tube, and adjusting link, said adjusting link having an adjustable connection at its inner end to the outer end of said arm, a connecting link, said connecting link being pivoted at its inner end to said drive crank, the outer ends of said links being pivotally connected together, said adjusting link having an angular disposition with respect to said arm, means for adjusting said angular disposition, means for limiting adjustment of said angular disposition, and means for locking said adjusting link and arm in their relative angular disposition, and said links comprising means for automatically moving said arm through an angle equal to one-half the difierence in adjustment of any selected angle of oscillation whereby any selected angle of oscillation is automatically similarly aligned with respect to the sprinkler.

8. In a sprinkler as in claim 7, wherein a manual pushpull control knob is provided on the outer end of one of said links, said limiting means comprising cooperative stop means on said adjusting link and arm, and said locking means comprising a spring biased collar rotatably mounted on said tube and engageable with said adjusting link.

9. In a sprinkler as in claim 7, wherein said limiting means comprises an arcuate stop slot and a stop lug in said slot, said slot and lug being movable relative to each other and being formed on said adjusting link and arm, said adjustable connection between the inner end of said adjusting link and the outer end of said arm comprising a pivotal connection therebetween, and said stop slot being concentric with said pivotal connection.

10. In a sprinkler as in claim 7, wherein said locking means constitutes means for indicating the width of the spray angle to which said sprinkler has been adjusted, said locking means comprising a hub on said arm, said hub being connected to said tube, a collar rotatably mounted on said tube, means biasing said hub and collar into engagement with each other for nonmovement relative to each other, and intermeshed gear teeth formed on said adjusting link and collar whereby when said angular disposition adjusting means is operated said collar is rotated relative to said hub, said hub and collar having cooperative dial means formed thereon.

11. In a sprinkler as in claim 7, wherein means are provided for manually positioning the spray angle to which said sprinkler has been adjusted, said manual positioning means comprising a collar and a hub on said arm, said collar and hub surrounding said tube, means biasing said collar and hub into engagement with each other for nonmovement relative to each other, said collar being fixed to said tube for nonrotation therebetween, and means for manually overcoming said biasing means to rotate said collar relative to said hub.

12. In a sprinkler as in claim 11, wherein said manual positioning means constitutes indicating means for indicating the position of any spray angle to which said sprinkler has been adjusted, said indicating means comprising said collar and hub, and said collar and hub having cooperative dial means formed thereon.

13. In a sprinkler as in claim 7, wherein said limiting and locking means comprises a sector shaped portion formed on one side of and on the inner end of said adjusting link, said adjustable connection between the inner end of said adjusting link and the outer end of said arm comprising a pivotal connection between the apex of said sector shaped portion and the outer end of said arm, gear teeth formed on the curved edge of said sector shaped portion, a collar on said tube, said collar having gear teeth cooperative With said sector gear teeth, an arcuate slot liormed in said adjusting link, a stop lug formed on said arm, said stop lug being disposed in said slot, said slot and sector gear teeth being concentric With said pivotal connection, said arm having a hub formed thereon about said tube, and resilient means biasing said collar and hub into engagement with each other for nonmovement with respect to each other.

14. In an oscillating type sprinkler comprising a spray tube, an arm on said tube, a rotary drive crank, means interconnecting said crank and arm for converting rotary motion of said drive crank into oscillatory motion of said tube, and means for adjusting the angle of oscillation of said tube to either side of said sprinkler, the improvement of said means comprising a hub on said arm which surrounds said tube, a collar fixed to said tube, means biasing p said collar and hub into fixed relationship with respect to each other, and means for overcoming said biasing means for rotating said tube with respect to said hub.

15. In the improvement of claim 14, wherein said collar and hub have cooperative dial markings thereon for indicating the setting of said sprinkler.

16. In a sprinkler which has a spray tubewhich is oscillated back and forth through a selected spray angle by an oscillated arm mounted on said tube, improved means for connecting said arm to said tube and for adjusting the relative position of said spray angle with respect to said sprinkler and indicating said position, said means comprising a hub on said arm, said hub surrounding said tube for relative axial and rotary movement therebetween, a collar fixed to said tube, said collar and hub having cooperative dial markings thereon, means biasing said collar and hub against each other for nonmovement with respect to each other, and said collar being manually rotatable to overcome said biasing means for rotating said collar and tube relative to said hub.

17. In a sprinkler which has a spray tube which is oscillated back and fonth through a selected spray angle by an oscillated arm mounted on said tube, and means for adjusting the spray angle and indicating the size of said spray angle, the improvement of said means comprising a hub on said arm, said hub being connected to said tube, a rotary collar on said tube, said hub and collar having cooperative dial markings thereon, drive means connected to said arm, means for adjusting the connection of said drive means to said arm to adjust said spray angle, and cooperative means on said collar and drive means for rotating said collar relative to said hub in response to the setting of said connection adjusting means.

18. In a sprinkler which has a spray tube which is oscillated back and forth through a selected spray angle, improved means for indicating the size of said spray angle and its position relative to the sprinkler, said means comprising an arm having a hub, said hub surrounding said tube for relative axial and rotary movement with respect thereto, a pair of collars on said tube, said collars being disposed on opposite sides of said hub, means biasing said collars and hub against each other for nonrnovement with respect to each other, said collars and hub having cooperative dial markings thereon, one of said collars being fixed to said tube, and rotatable with respect to said hub against said biasing means to indicate said spray angle position, and the other collar being ro-tatably mounted on said tube for rotation with respect to said hub against said biasing means to indicate the size of the spray angle.

19.111 a spray tube for an oscillatory type sprinkler, said tube being driven through a selected spray angle by an oscillated arm connected to said tube, improved means for connecting said arm to said tube and for indicating the size of said angle and its position relative to the sprinkler, said means comprising a hub formed on said arm and a pair of collars, said hub and collars surrounding said tube with said hub between said collars, cooperative dial markings on said hub and collars, means biasing said collars and hub into engagement with each other, and means for rotating said collars relative to said hub in accordance with the selected spray angle and its position with respect to said sprinkler.

20. In a sprinkler comprising a spray tube, a rotate ing drive crank, a drive bracket on said tube, means connecting said bracket and said crank to oscillate said bracket, said means including a pivotal connection between said bracket and connecting means which is adjustable towards and away from the center of oscillation of said bracket whereby the angle of oscillation increases and decreases respectively with the adjustment,

the improvement of means for controlling the path 'of adjustment of said pivotal connection as it is moved between its innermost and its outermost positions Whereby a bisector of the oscillation angle remains substantially in a fixed position for all adjusted positions of; said pivotal connection, and said last mentioned means comprising manually adjustable linkage means interconnecting said bracket and crank. 7

21. In a sprinkler comprising a spray tube, a rotating drive crank, a drive bracket on said tube, means conmeeting said bracket and said crank to oscillate said bracket, said means including a pivotal connection between said bracket and connecting means which is adjustable towards and away from the center of oscillation of said bracket so that the angle of oscillation increases and decreases respectively with the adjustment, 7 the improvement of means for controlling the path of adjustment of said pivotal connection as it is moved between its innermost and its outermost positions so that a bi-sector of the oscillation angle remains substantially in a fixed position for all adjusted positions of said pivotal connection, means between said bracket and spray tube for adjusting and holding said spray tube in different angular relationships with respect to said drive bracket,

and means for indicating the size of the angle of oscillation and the position of said tube with respect to said. bracket, said indicating means comprising a pair of dial collars on said tube.

22. In a sprinkler comprising a spray tube, a rotating drive crank,-a drive bracket on said tube, means connecting said bracket and said crank to oscillate said bracket, said means including a pivotal connection between said bracket and connecting means which'is .adw

justable towards and away from the center of oscillation of said bracket so that thetangle of oscillation increases and decreases respectively with the adjustment, the improvement of means for controlling the path of a djustment of said pivotal connection as it is moved between its innermost and itsoutermost positions so that a bisector of the oscillation angle remains substantially in a fixed position for all adjusted positions of said pivotal connection, and means between said bracket and spray; tube for adjusting and holding said spray tube in different angular relationships with respect to said drive bracket.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Nelson July 19, 1960 

1. A SPRINKLER COMPRISING A SPRAY TUBE, A ROTARY DRIVE CRANK FOR OSCILLATING SAID TUBE, MEANS INTERCONNECTING SAID CRANK AND TUBE FOR CONVERTING ROTARY MOVEMENT OF SAID CRANK INTO SEVERAL DIFFERENT ANGLES OF OSCILLATORY MOVEMENT OF SAID TUBE, AND MANUAL CONTROL MEANS ON SAID TUBE FOR POSITIONING EACH ANGLE OF OSCILLATION OF SAID TUBE CENTRALLY AND ON EACH SIDE OF SAID SPRINKLER, SAID INTERCONNECTING MEANS HAVING MANUAL CONTROL MEANS FOR SELECTIVELY ADJUSTING SAID ANGLE AND AUTOMATICALLY POSITIONING THE SAME IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SETTING OF SAID FIRST MENTIONED CONTROL MEANS, SAID INTERCONNECTING MEANS COMPRISES A CRANK ARM ON SAID TUBE, A LINK ADJUSTABLY CONNECTED TO SAID CRANK ARM, A CONNECTING LINK PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO SAID DRIVE CRANK AND FIRST MENTIONED LINK, AND A MANUAL CONTROL KNOB CONNECTED TO ONE OF SAID LINKS, AND SAID FIRST MENTIONED MANUAL CONTROL MEANS COMPRISING A MANUAL KNOB ON SAID TUBE FOR ROTATING SAID TUBE WITH RESPECT TO SAID CRANK ARM. 